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what is different about the treatment of women in etruscan art, compared to greece?

by Adolfo Bartell Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The Etruscan art may have resembled the Greek art in some cases, but ultimately they each possessed their own styles which were heavily influenced by their unique cultures. Moreover, the Etruscan culture viewed women more as equals than the Greek culture.

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Did the Etruscans use art as a way to represent society?

 · Etruscan women are thought to have enjoyed greater freedom than Greek women this is supported by Etruscan art that often showed women mixing freely with men. This social mixing of men and women was not as common in Greek society, as women were generally expected to keep to themselves away from social settings.

Were Etruscan women distinct among women of the ancient Mediterranean?

In the Hellenistic era of Greece, the subjects of art start to become more similar to the Etruscans. For example, the Old Market Woman depicts an everyday human going about her business. What sets this apart from the Etruscans, is that this depiction of daily life is much more brutal and negative than the Etruscan depiction.

What are the similarities and differences between Etruscan and Greek art?

 · IV. What is different about the treatment of women in Etruscan art, compared to Greece? Why? (p 198 ) V. The Apollo (Apollo of Veii) is made of what material and when was it created? How does it differ from the male statuary of Greece, like the Greek Kouros statues? (figure 6-5, - p. 173) VI. Where/how was this Apollo originally located? VII.

What is the role of women in Etruscan tomb painting?

 · Moreover, the Etruscan culture viewed women more as equals than the Greek culture. Etruscan women were more valued by their husbands, they enjoyed more rights and leisure and the Etruscan goddesses were respected more in comparison to their Greek counterparts, all of which is confirmed in their respective culture’s artworks. RELATIONSHIP …

How were women treated in the Etruscan culture?

Further, records show that Etruscan women were literate and enjoyed greater legal rights, too. In Etruria, a woman could inherit family property if there were no surviving male line, not so in Greece.

How is Etruscan art different from Greek art?

The stylistic influences from the Greeks on Etruscan Archaic sculpture include the Archaic smile and the stylized patterning of hair and clothing. However, Etruscan sculpture was distinct. The figures had egg-shaped heads and almond eyes, were clothed, and their bodies had a higher degree of plasticity.

What was the role of women in Etruscan society?

Professor Warren said that, “most shocking of all” to Greek society, Etruscan women kept and raised all of their children, regardless of who the fathers were. In Greece, infants often were exposed on hillsides to control overpopulation. Roman women took their names first from their fathers and then their husbands.

What did the Greeks find scandalous about Etruscan women?

If there were a prize for getting unfairly bad-mouthed in ancient history, Etruscan women would likely win hands down. The Greeks and later Romans said terrible things about them: lascivious, lewd, sybaritic, totally out of control. Imagine!

How are Etruscan and Greek temples similar and different?

Etruscan temples were composed of wood and mud brick, as opposed to Greek temples, which were made of the more stable material of stone. Etruscan columns were often positioned at the front of the structure to form a deep porch, whereas Greek columns were symmetrically arranged.

How does Etruscan art differ from Roman art?

Etruscans were well known for their rich mineral resources whereas Romans were known for their great architecture and culture that remains unbeaten. Etruscan art depicts the scenery of revelry whereas Roman art depicts the Greeks and Romans mythology.

How are women portrayed in Etruscan art?

Etruscan women, unlike Greek or Roman women, participated in banquets. There are many examples of murals, reliefs, and engravings depicting women reclining alongside men at banquets. The Greeks and Romans saw this custom not only as strange but outright barbaric.

How did Etruscan art portray women?

Etruscan women were affectionate mothers, and passionate lovers. This emphasis is notably unique from the portrayal of couples among contemporary societies such as the Greeks and Romans. This depiction of couples reflects the essential role woman clearly held in Etruscan society.

How were women treated in ancient Rome?

Defined by the men in their lives, women in ancient Rome were valued mainly as wives and mothers. Although some were allowed more freedom than others, there was always a limit, even for the daughter of an emperor.

How did the role of women in Etruscan society and written accounts differ from other cultures such as the Greek?

a. Etruscan women were generally freer and more independent than women of other civilizations at the time. They were generally literate, and were allowed to attend banquets and sporting events with men. Etruscan women were allowed to own property and retain their own names after marriage.

What were the Etruscans view on marriage?

One ancient culture, however, that showed more explicit affection between husbands and wives was the Etruscans. Their approach to conjugal relations appears more transparent. This early Italic society was noted for its unusual attitudes about women and marriage.

What were Etruscans known for?

The Etruscan civilization flourished in central Italy between the 8th and 3rd century BCE. The culture was renowned in antiquity for its rich mineral resources and as a major Mediterranean trading power. Much of its culture and even history was either obliterated or assimilated into that of its conqueror, Rome.

What are some examples of Etruscan women?

For example, there are many remains of spools, spindles, pins, and other implements used in the working of textiles.

Who was the Greek historian who recorded the behavior of Etruscan women?

A Greek historian by the name of Theopompus of Chios, living in the 4th century BCE, recorded what he claims were his own observations of the behavior of Etruscan women. It turns out that Thompompus’ report of Etruscan women was not just highly critical, was scathing.

Did Etruscan women live private lives?

In fact, it seems that Greek and Roman women led much more private lives. They tended to be confined to the home and to women’s work.

Why were the Etruscans so famous?

Etruscan women are also depicted frequently within a religious context. The Etruscans were renowned in ancient times for their knowledge of the spiritual world. The Romans held Etruscan religious advisers in high esteem, and consulted them regularly on matters of politics and military strategy.

What is the theme of the sarcophagus?

It’s likely that banqueting was a central part of the Etruscans’ funerary rituals, and it’s a frequent theme of Etruscan sarcophagus decoration. The amazing “Sarcophagus of the Spouses” (sarcofago degli sposi) is a perfect example of equal treatment of men and women in the imagery of banqueting. (Read more about this sarcophagus here.)

What were the Greeks known for?

The ancient Greeks were known for their symposia, which were essentially adult male drinking parties. Women were not invited or welcome at these events. But it seems that in the Etruscan culture, women played an active part in social dining events. Tarquinia_Tomb_of_the_Leopards CC via Wikipedia.

Did Greeks drink with men?

In Greek culture, women were not supposed to drink or dine with men other than their fathers, brothers, and husbands. The Romans tended to follow this custom. But in Etruria, things were apparently different. The ancient Greeks were known for their symposia, which were essentially adult male drinking parties. Women were not invited or welcome at these events. But it seems that in the Etruscan culture, women played an active part in social dining events.

What did the Etruscans paint?

In the Etruscan tombs, are painted lively colorful scenes of daily life. For example, the Tomb of Hunting and Fishing at Tarquina features scenes of a relaxed husband and wife accompanied by their servant, a young man aiming at a flock of birds with his slingshot, and a sea with jumping dolphins and a boat full of fisherman. The Tomb of the Lioness depicts and man and woman dancing, musicians, and two giant cats at the peak of the wall near the colorfully checkered ceiling. It seems that the Etruscans liked to paint daily life, or perhaps happy memories for the dead to experience. In contrast, early Greek art in the Archaic and Classical eras seemed to be exclusively of noble subjects. For example, the statue Apollo from the west pediment of the Temple of Zeus, Olympia, of 470-456 BCE, or Dying Warrior from the west pediment of the Temple of Aphaia, Aegina, Greece, of 490 BCE. Both these statues are of subjects much more important than the average human being. The Dying Warrior is nobly sacrificing himself for his country, and Apollo, the sun god, is attempting to bring order to the chaos around him between the Lapiths and the centaurs. Both of these statues are of important events in Greek history. In contrast, the Etruscan tombs are purely for enjoyment and to comfort the dead, they are not meant to honor an important figure in society, as is the case with early Greek art. One similarity, however, is the use of symbolism. In the Etruscan Tomb of the Lioness, a man reclines (presumably the deceased), watching the dancers around him. In his hand he holds an egg, and this is the Etruscan symbol of the continuity of life. In 438 BCE in the cella of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, the Athena Parthenos holds a tiny statue of Nike in her extended right hand. This is meant to symbolize the victory of the Athenians over the Persians. This use of symbolism in both cultures reveals their similar value of the abstract, and how it can be used to convey meaning. This shows that although the Grecian and Etruscan choice of subject for their art may be completely different, how they present this subject is somewhat similar.

What is the Tomb of the Lioness?

The Tomb of the Lioness depicts and man and woman dancing, musicians, and two giant cats at the peak of the wall near the colorfully checkered ceiling. It seems that the Etruscans liked to paint daily life, or perhaps happy memories for the dead to experience.

What is the Hellenistic era?

In the Hellenistic era of Greece, the subjects of art start to become more similar to the Etruscans. For example, the Old Market Woman depicts an everyday human going about her business. What sets this apart from the Etruscans, is that this depiction of daily life is much more brutal and negative than the Etruscan depiction.

What does Nike represent in Athens?

This is meant to symbolize the victory of the Athenians over the Persians.

What was the role of women in the Etruscan society?

THE ETRUSCAN WOMAN. Women played a very important role in Etruscan society. Both the practice of Matronymic (a social norm according to which children took their mother’s name) and the participation of women in banquets, unlike the Greek symposia, show how important the woman in Etruscan society was. It also appears that simply having an Etruscan ...

What is the symbol of women working with wool?

Working with wool was the symbol of women just as working with weapons was that of men. Educating was the destiny of the Etruscan woman, spinning her emblem.

What would happen if Etruscan women had the right to raise their children without their husbands' formal recognition?

Warren said, “if Etruscan women had the right to raise their children without their husbands' formal recognition, this would probably be connected with property rights.”

What were the Etruscans like?

To Rome, the Etruscans were “the others.” To Greek writers, they were incompre hensible and immoral, especially the women.

Who assimilated the Etruscans?

Eventually assimilated by Rome, the Etruscans in their heyday, while scandalizing the Greeks and Romans with their social and sexual customs, ex ercised wide influence through their art.

What did Professor Warren say about Greek society?

Professor Warren said that, “most shocking of all” to Greek society, Etruscan women kept and raised all of their children, regardless of who the fathers were . In Greece, infants often were exposed on hillsides to control overpopulation.

Where did the Etruscans live?

The Etruscans occupied the area of Italy that became Tus cany, but at the height of their civilization they ranged as far north as the Alps and south to Naples. A mystery people, per haps of Oriental origin, the Etruscans are earliest known from their inscriptions of the seventh century B.C.

What was the Etruscan society?

A century ago, Etruscan so ciety was thought of as being characterized by a “tyranny of women.” However, since then, in the light of archeological dis coveries—tomb paintings and inscriptions among them—the alleged “matriarchy” of Etruria has been described a more equalitarian society .

Do Etruscan women watch sports?

There is no evidence in art of such exercise, but there is of Etruscan women watching sports in the company of men —“a custom most un‐Greek,” Mrs. Warren observed.

What is the Etruscan art?

Etruscan art shows strong similarities to that of Archaic Greece and other nearby Mediterranean cultures.

What is the significance of the Etruscan sarcophagi?

Etruscan sarcophagi and tomb paintings are known for their seemingly happy images of people enjoying themselves just as they did in life. The Romans replaced the Etruscans as the dominant culture in Italy around 500 B.C.E.

What was the art of Rome influenced by?

The art of imperial Rome continued to be heavily influenced by that of Hellenistic Greece. It increasingly emphasized luxury and display. The villas of Pompeii, a resort town buried in volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 C.E., provide remarkable insight into Roman domestic architecture and decoration, especially wall paintings.

What are the contributions of Rome?

Rome's contributions to architecture are chiefly in the area of technological innovation. The circular design of the Coliseum represents a breakthrough in crowd control and is still in use today. A temple in the heart of Rome, the Pantheon, features a perfectly hemispherical dome made from a new medium, concrete.

What is an Etruscan sculpture made of?

a type of earthenware, is a clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic, where the fired body is porous; Etruscan sculptures are made of terracotta and would then be painted. Sculptures are more modest, shifted weight, and had archaic smiles.

What is the early phase of Greek art?

orientalizing phase. the early phase of archaic greek art so named because of the adoption of forms and motifs from Ancient Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt. archaic. Portraits were a mortal sin to the Greeks. - hubrus = arrogance which the Greeks hated.

What is an illuminated manuscript?

a handwritten book; An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented with such decoration as initials, borders (marginalia) and miniature illustrations.

What are the two main types of church architecture?

Learn about the two main types of Christian church architecture: longitudinally planned and centrally planned church buildings.

What were the main occupations of Spartan women?

Spartan women were generally expected to spend their time exercising and keeping fit, and were left to look after the family farms while th emen were away at war or training for war , which was the main occupation of Spartan men. Whether you consider this made them better off than other Greek women really depends on how you feel about exercise and about being left without the company of men.

Who were the most famous women poets in ancient Greece?

And some Greek women were able to obtain an education, there were some women poets in ancient Greece, most famous of all being Sappho, whose work was more admired in ancient Greece than any other poet apart from Homer.

Did Greek women play a role in religious festivals?

Greek women did play an important part in religious festivals, at the festival of Panathea for example (birthday celebrations for the goddess Athena), they were prominent in the processions, as you can see from the famous Elgin marbles. Her birthday was celebrated annually in Athens. Every four years, young well-born Athenian girls wove a new robe for the statue of Athena in the Parthenon, which was carried in procession to the temple.

A Sense of Equality

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First, Etruscan women may have enjoyed more equal status with men than in other ancient cultures. That seems like a bold claim. How do we know this? Let’s look at a few pieces of evidence.
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A Variety of Roles

  • As you might imagine, there is a lot of material evidence of Etruscan women in the domestic sphere. For example, there are many remains of spools, spindles, pins, and other implements used in the working of textiles. In Etruscan tomb painting, we see women in a wide variety of activities associated with banqueting, including dancers, musicians, spectators, cooks, servers, athletes, a…
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Women in The Public Sphere

  • It’s the more public face of Etruscan women that seems to have shocked Greek writers like Theopompus of Chios the most. In fact, it seems that Greek and Roman women led much more private lives. They tended to be confined to the home and to women’s work. Even elite women did not have particularly public roles. In Greece and Rome, flaunting female be...
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A Toast to Etruscan Women

  • Based on ancient texts, we know that outsiders found Etruscan women remarkable and different. My favorite thing that Theompompus of Chios found offensive about Etruscan women is that, according to his own words, “They make toasts to anyone they choose!” Imagine a scene of Etruscan women in a mixed-gender banquet, dressed in clothing that might have been considere…
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